Recognising that culture can act as a bridge between diverse African communities, promote healing, and create spaces for dialogue and collective action, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation commemorated Africa Month through a celebratory webinar held on 29 May.

The event celebrated not only the enduring spirit of the African continent, but also 25 years of the IJR’s dedicated efforts in advancing peace and reconciliation across Africa. The webinar was themed “The Role of Culture in Shaping Positive Societal Transformation.” It brought together leading analysts, academics, cultural practitioners, and artists to explore how culture remains central to Africa’s unity, identity, and future.

In a statement delivered by Prof. Tim Murithi, Head of Peacebuilding Interventions at IJR, Executive Director Prof. Cheryl Hendricks shared that her key message for this year’s Africa Day is a simple one. “You cannot truly develop on the basis of trying to assimilate into the culture of others Culture shapes thinking, practices, values and beliefs, relationship to politics and society, and our relationship to each other. It defines who we are, and where, and how we want to develop. Culture is therefore our source of identity, our source of innovation and our source of creativity. It is the basis for our development.”

Opening the session, Mwanja Ng’anjo, IJR’s Head of Communications, paid tribute to renowned Kenyan author and intellectual Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’ one of Africa’s most brilliant literary minds and cultural giants. “His influence is immeasurable,” she said. Ms Ng’anjo continued, “Through his writing, scholarship, and activism, Ngũgĩ challenged the colonial legacy embedded in language, culture, and education. He dared us to reimagine an Africa that speaks in its own voice and dreams in its own mother tongues. His legacy continues to inspire cultural preservation efforts across the continent.”

Guest speaker Dr. Raj Chintaram, Programme Officer for Civil Society Engagement at the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) Secretariat, reflected on the historic founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. He reminded participants that Africa Day symbolises not just celebration but a commitment to the continent’s ongoing journey towards unity and progress. “Africa Day is an act of resilience,” Dr Chintaram said, “and culture is the bedrock that shapes our values and collective identity.”
During the commemoration, cultural practitioners, creatives and artists, Leslie ‘Lee’ Kasumba, Masello Motana, Wandile Mbambeni and Lesedi Mafura, emphasised the urgent need for Africans to tell their own stories in their own languages and through their own lenses. Their creative contributions reminded attendees of the power art holds in shaping collective consciousness and fostering solidarity.

Prof. Tim Murithi highlighted culture’s foundational role in building a future grounded in Pan-African values, unity, and dignity. He challenged participants to work together to forge a continental cultural project that strengthens solidarity and nurtures a just, hopeful future for all Africans.

A particularly poignant message came from Tapela Memory Banda (founder of the Zambian Albinism Matters Organization), who stressed the critical importance of investing in the education and creativity of young people. “Our youth are the architects of Africa’s future,” she said, “and nurturing their talents through cultural education is key to sustainable transformation.” This call to action underscores the need for policies and programs that prioritize youth empowerment and cultural development. Other contributors reinforced this perspective. Crisis Action Africa Director, and Former Deputy Chief of Staff AUC, Dr Hesphina Rukato, warned that losing cultural identity means losing one’s foundation, while Hakima Haithar (Acting Regional Director, Jesuit Refugee Service, Southern Africa) urged Africans to reject colonial narratives that distort their self-understanding.

Deputy Executive Director at the IJR, Dr Elijah Masubelele added that culture is not merely heritage but a dynamic force for societal healing, innovation, and justice, reminding us that our stories, languages, and traditions are the building blocks of a united, peaceful, and self-determined Africa.

The webinar concluded with a powerful affirmation: culture is not a luxury or afterthought but the very foundation for peace, progress, and transformation across the continent. As the IJR celebrates its 25th anniversary, this Africa Day event served as both a reflection on past achievements and a renewed call to action.

Key Takeaways:

• Africans must be intentional about owning and narrating their histories and futures.
• Protecting and promoting African languages is essential to cultural empowerment.
• Investing in youth education and creativity is critical to sustainable societal transformation.
• Rejecting colonial narratives helps reclaim authentic African identities.
• Culture should be central to all peacebuilding and development efforts.
• As Africans and members of the global African diaspora, we are encouraged to embed these lessons in our daily lives whether by learning and promoting indigenous languages, supporting African artists and cultural projects, advocating for inclusive education, or challenging narratives that undermine our identities.

The commemoration ended with the call to embrace culture as a source of strength that will not only honour the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom, but also lay the groundwork for a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.

By: Nande Mbekela